We've Done It! - Mountsorrel Railway Reaches the End Of the Line

On Saturday February 23rd 2013 the final panels of track were laid along the Mountsorrel branch line to reach the proposed location of the new Mountsorrel Halt at Bond Lane.



     

Over 75 project volunteers turned out to help lay the final panels and we were joined by representatives from Mountsorrel Parish Council and Lafarge. A film crew from Central News were also there filming a news item for Saturday evening's broadcast and there should also be coverage in this week's Loughborough Echo.

 

Last May when we launched our appeal to raise the funds necessary to secure the rail we needed to complete the project, we set ourselves the ambitious task of having track laid through to Mountsorrel Halt by February 2013. At the time many doubted that we would achieve this and if it hadn't have been for the support of those who donated and the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, we certainly wouldn't have done so.

It is amazing to see the way the project has captured the spirit of local people from all backgrounds, ages and genders, to the extent that so many of them feel compelled strongly enough to turn out in all weathers to help protect and preserve our heritage.  
 

   

There is still much to do before the railway can open for public trains to operate. The next stage is to fit check rails to the tight curves at Wood Lane and then to ballast the remaining part of the line. A machine called a tamper will then be hired in to pack and line the track. So there is still plenty of opportunity to get involved yourself over the coming months.

We are also working towards securing planning permission and funding for Mountsorrel Halt, which will allow passengers to get on/off the train at Mountsorrel to visit the village and Stonehurst Famliy Farm and Motor Museum via their existing tractor trailer rides.